UK supermarket BBQ rubs are 70% sugar and 30% disappointment. They burn before the meat is cooked, and they all taste roughly the same.
These five rubs are the ones we test in our kitchen. Each does something different. Mix and match across burgers, wings, ribs, halloumi, sweetcorn, and prawns.
Rub 1: Classic smoky (works on everything)
2 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Costack Meat Seasoning
1 tbsp granulated garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Best on ribs, chicken thighs, brisket, halloumi.
Rub 2: Sweet and sticky (for wings and ribs)
Rub 3: Suya peanut rub (the surprise crowd-killer)
Suya spice has roasted peanut, paprika, ginger, and chilli. On grilled chicken or beef skewers it tastes like nothing else on the BBQ. The smell alone brings neighbours over. The BBQ & Smoky Heat Box bundle gives you everything for this rub plus more.
Rub 4: Citrus pepper (for fish and prawns)
Best on prawns, salmon, sea bass, and chicken breasts.
Rub 5: UK steakhouse (for the BBQ steak)
Best on ribeye, sirloin, lamb chops, beef burgers.
How to apply
1 tbsp per kilo of meat is the floor
2 tbsp per kilo for ribs and slow-cooked cuts
Apply 30-90 minutes before cooking
Add a layer of oil AFTER the rub to bind
Direct vs indirect heat
Direct (high, fast): wings, prawns, halloumi, kebabs, burgers
Indirect (low, slow): ribs, brisket, whole chicken, pork shoulder
A rub with sugar will burn over direct heat. Use indirect, or apply the sugary glaze only in the last 5 minutes.
Related reads
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